Exclusively Breastfed 7 Month old...question About Starting Solids........

My daugter is 11 months and we started solids at 7 months, too. She had MANY food sensitivties that sound a lot like your son's. She has done fine on solids. We based introducing them on the Joneja Allergen Scale, and I found this website SUPER helpful: http://www.wholesomebabyfood.com/allergy.htm

The scale is at the bottom of that page. Basically, we started at the bottom and are slowly working our way up.

I don't think teeth make much difference - my baby only has one tooth still and has only had it for a few weeks. But, she can EAT.

Solids at that age should be in addition to breastmilk, so just keep nursing as often as you do now and feed solids after nursing, not right before.

We steamed and mashed stuff like sweet potatoes and squash (both pretty hypoallergenic) and she did fine. Now that she's self-feeding, we cut stuff up into bite sized chunks for her.

I'm actually still on the elimination diet and will remain on it as long as she's breastfeeding, I think. We aren't introducing any allergens until after she's a year, for sure, and will do so slowly and in tiny amounts.

Good luck!!! Solids are fun!

Hi Amy,
You have a lot of questions! Just one thought from me. Although none of my kids (I have 3) had sensitivity issues, and all were fine eaters (until they turned picky at about age 2-1/2), I made my own baby food... just steamed regular fruits and veggies, blended them and either served them right then or froze the portions in ice cube trays. The book "Super Baby Food" by Ruth Yaron was my Bible for all of them.
Also, welcome to Orangevale. I grew up there. Hope you like it!
-S.

I have had good luck with delaying solids and going slowly with my daughter who just turned one. I learned with my five year old that kids do outgrow some sensitivities, but some may remain. I found that www.kellymom.com is a great source for information on starting solids, and I also have encountered very good resources by reading and conversing with the moms at the Mothering.com discussion boards - lots of knowledgeable moms there who are also concerned about solids and food sensitivities. http://mothering.com/discussions/index.php

just scroll down the list of forums to find the topic you want.

If he's interested just let him eat the veggies off your plate. You can grind them up for him or smash them really well with your fork and spoon. I never gave my kids jarred baby food (I'm a personal chef and too cheap have you noticed how expensive one ounce is!!). I always put some extra soft veggies on my plate and let them eat that. It gets them used to the food you eat. Also, make sure they only get one new food a week. That will let you know if he is having a reaction to any food. Never give him citrus or wheat (until he's a year old), nuts, or shellfish (until he's at least 2).